Ministries

Liturgial Ministries in the Catholic Church

“The celebration of the Eucharist is the action of Christ and of the Church, namely, of the holy people united and ordered under the Bishop. It therefore pertains to the whole Body of the Church, manifests it, and has its effect upon it. Indeed, it also affects the individual members of the Church in a different way, according to their different orders, functions, and actual participation.

In this way, the Christian people, “a chosen race, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,” expresses its cohesion and its hierarchical ordering. All, therefore, whether ordained ministers or lay Christian faithful, in fulfilling their function or their duty, should carry out solely but totally that which pertains to them” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 91)

Altar Servers

This ministry is meant for service at the altar by assisting the priest and deacon. The service rendered by the Altar Server includes carrying the incense, the processional Cross, and the candles during the procession, holding the Roman Missal for the priest when needed, and preparing the altar during the Offertory.

If you wish to know more about how to be part of this ministry, please speak with one of the priests before or after Mass.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

This ministry assists to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful. They are Extraordinary Ministers as the Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a bishop, a priest or a deacon (c.f. Code of Canon Law, no. 910).

Eucharistic Ministry Requirements

The Real Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist requires that those involved in this ministry be screened by the Rector or an Associate Pastor.

Training

Training is required to become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharistic. The theological foundation of the Liturgy and the "how-to’s" are explained. The volunteer candidates attend an initial training session; refresher courses are usually held once a year. There are also refresher courses that are held in conjunction with other ministries and usually consist of a general session, individual ministry sessions, and a Mass with a Commissioning Ceremony.

Time Commitment

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are given the opportunity to provide input into their individual schedules. St. Joseph’s Basilica requires 55 – 58 people per weekend at 5 different Masses. The schedule is assembled every three months and the volunteers can choose the Masses and Sundays they are available to serve. The lay minister will be scheduled one to three times per month. People who cannot commit their time on a regular basis may also assist by putting their names on a substitute list to fill in at their convenience when others are sick or not available for their scheduled time. Help is always needed for this very special and precious ministry. If you wish to know more about how to be part of this ministry, please speak with one of the priests before or after Mass.

Lectors

Those involved in this ministry proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. They may also announce the intentions for the Prayers of the Faithful and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings.

If you wish to know more about how to be part of this ministry, please speak with one of the priests before or after Mass, or contact Susan Barylo at 780.988.9607.

Parish Care To the SicK

Following the example of Jesus' own actions, the Christian community strives to break down barriers of isolation felt by those who are sick or dying, to include them as full members of the human community, and to provide hope of an ultimate healing of sin and death. The Church, Christ's body today, does this through visits to hospitals, continuing care and palliative care facilities, senior residences and homes" (Archbishop's Office, 2006).

The Ministry of Parish Care to the Sick offers sick and home bound parishioners opportunities to stay connected with the Parish and to grow as a Community in Christ through distributing Holy Communion to the sick, assisting residents to Mass in the hospital Chapel, leading Liturgies of the Word in assisted living facilities and sacristan service in the hospital Chapel.

If you know a parishioner who is sick or in need of pastoral visits, please make him/her aware of this service.

Our priests are available to visit the sick in any hospital, assisted living home or private home. Our seriously sick parishioners may request the Sacrament of the Sick. Please contact one of our priests at 780.488.7295 to set a time for the anointing. In case of emergency, please phone the priests directly at 587.982.5452.

Ushers

Those involved in this ministry welcome the faithful at the church doors, seat them appropriately, and take up the collection during Mass.

If you wish to know more about how to be part of this ministry, please speak with one of the priests before or after Mass, or contact Ken Kluchky at 780.472.2504.

Sacristans

Sacristans diligently arrange the liturgical books, the vestments, and other things that are necessary for the celebration of Mass. If you wish to know more about how to be part of this ministry, please speak with one of the priests before or after Mass.

Art & Environment Committee

The purpose of this Committee is to support the active, full, and conscious participation of the faithful in the sacred liturgy by enhancing the dignity, nobility, simplicity, and sacredness of the physical space of worship in the church through the appropriate use of natural flowers, works of art, symbolic decorations, furnishings, and other materials.

The beauty of the sacred space, as evidenced by the senses of the faithful, should inspire their hearts and minds to rise up in a spirit of humble praise, adoration, and thanks to God, the Creator of all.

In accordance with the five Seasons of the Church Year, and in support of special liturgical celebrations therein (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Chrism Mass), volunteers with this Committee offer their time, hard work, and artistic talents to help create and maintain this sacred worship environment.

For more information about the Art and Environment Ministry or to get involved, please contact Margaret Donnelly at 780-482-7918